The NuCanoe Frontier is a Fly Fisher's Dream

Steve Gibson of Southern Drawl Kayak Fishing is a full-time kayak fishing guide based in Sarasota, FL. He is also an award-winning outdoor writer and photographer.  And he is converting his guide fleet to the NuCanoe Frontier 12.

Want to know why?  Steve explains:

"I began thinking about NuCanoe last year after fishing out of a Frontier 12 owned by fly-fishing buddy Joe Mahler of Fort Myers. I found the boat has everything I need -- and less.

"To understand what I mean, you've got to know from where I'm coming. Too many kayaks these days feature every bell and whistle known to man. There's something for almost everyone, but not everything is for everyone. Most kayaks have features that you'll rarely use. Most you probably don't even want.   But those features are great for marketing -- and great for driving up the price.

"I like the NuCanoe Frontier for several reasons: 1. It's simple; 2. It's roomy; 3. It's so stable you can stand up and tap dance on the deck."

 

Read Steve's full blog post on why the Frontier is a Fly Fisher's Dream at Gibby's Fishing Blog.

Confessions of a Carp Hunter by Anthony Larson

Spring is a great time to get big fish- and rightfully so, most species of fish spawn from March to June; bringing into casting range trophy fish ready for the catching, making them easier targets.

My  personal favorite fish to target isn’t bass- I can catch them in the rural Wisconsin cranberry marshes all year; it’s not Walleye- I live on the Mississippi River, and let’s face it they are too small; it’s not panfish- because well as tasty of a snack they make, they are an all year around catch. It’s CARP- yes, you read it right; I love catching carp.

Targeting carp is a great past time for anglers of any skill set, come big- and I mean big, and in quantity. One day alone, I caught 5 carp over 30 inches and ranking at 15-25 pounds per fish, per fish.

People ask me “WHY CARP”, well as a catch and release angler, I love big fish of any species. But there’s something special about hooking into a tanker carp, watch it bog down to the bottom of the river and just scream my drag. The battle between carp and I can be quite epic; at times lasting 5-10 minutes.

To get into the muck where the big’uns lie I rely heavily on my NuCanoe Frontier.  I use both my Frontier 10 and Frontier 12, depending on the application at hand. One marsh I fish has a 16 foot bank that I need to shoot down, so the Frontier 10 is the tool of choice. Weighing in at 55 lbs, the 10 footer makes going up and down the banks an easy task. 

For big water and flat land launches, I rely on my Frontier 12.  I like the length as it gives me plenty of room for my carp hunting gear: anchor, net, two poles, and a drift sock. I also enjoy being able to stand up and sight fish from a distance to monitor where the target carp might lie.

With the spawn in tow, the carp have very sensitive lateral lines- one false move, even a whisper and your trophy fish is on the go, disappearing in a smoke of muck and mire; so stealth is key. The low profile of the Frontier allows me to get within casting range of these queens and drop my fly right on their territory.

Snagging a carp is elementary, but getting one to bite is a challenge. For this, I use Rough Fisher’s legendary flies, namely, the Crawdiddy- a fly that looks like a small crayfish or shrimp. The Crawdiddy serves as dropper fly to a ¼ oz jig with a Big Bite Baits twister tail. I find that using the ¼ oz jig gives me the weight for a controlled cast, as well as giving me the weight to get me to the bottom fast. I like the action and scented appeal that the Big Bite Baits twister tail provides, as carp tend to be attracted to sweet things. The twister tail gets their attention, the fly gives them a meal. The only thing I pray for is to avoid a doubler- can you imagine what it would be like to bring in two 15 pound carp?

 

Over all, carp fishing is a great way to get beginning anglers of any age into the sport. Quantity and quality, catching carp provides great results to any skill set and are a blast to catch.

Posted by Anthony Larson of Coulee Region Adventures.

The World's First Propane Outboard Powered Kayak

The LEHR Propane Outboards are one of a kind.  In fact, they are the only propane powered outboard motors.  So when we test the LEHR 2.5hp Propane Outboard on the Frontier 12 recently, it very likely was the first time a kayak was powered by a propane outboard! 

Bottom line, this is a winning combination!  The stability and performance of the Frontier is a perfect fit for the LEHR propane outboard.  The Frontier flies through the water, planes easily, and handles great.

The Benefits:

• Lightweight - The 2.5hp outboard weighs only 37lbs
• Quiet - Much less noise than a gas outboard.
• Clean - 98% less emissions...great for the environment and your health
• Awesome Power - The LEHR outboard pushed the Frontier thorugh the water with ease, with both 1 and 2 passengers.
• Ready to Go -The LEHR outboard drops right on the Frontier's transom, so special adapter brackets are required.
• Fuel Canisters - Best of all, the LEHR outboard runs off standard camp stove propane canisters, which provide 4-6 hours of use.  At less than 1lb and $5 each, that is a winner!

Things to Improve:  While the motor worked great, we'll be working with LEHR on a couple items to enable easier control and operation of the motor.

• Clutch switch - To put the motor in gear, the user is required to flip a switch on the side of the motor.  Getting to this switch can be a challenge when using the Frontier solo.  We'll be adding a control rod to allow the switch to be operated without moving from your seat position.
• Raising/Lowering the Motor - Similarly, it is a challenge to raise and lower the motor as it requires being positioned in the stern of the boat next to the motor.  We'll be working with LEHR to develop a cable that will allow the motor to be raised or lowered from the seat position.

We'll get back on the water for another test when these solutions are in place!
 

The Dynamic Dolly & The Frontier 12

NuCanoe HQ is about 400 yards to a boat ramp.  When testing out new products or going for a paddle, we'll walk the Frontier to the water on the NuCanoe Transport Cart or on the Solo Trailer.  Both work well, but they leave you working a little harder than you'd like, particularly when hauling motors, sets, etc.

Last week we received a Dynamic Dolly to test out.  It's safe to say getting to and from the water is going to be a breeze for now on!  The Dynamic Dolly is lightweight and balances the weight of the boat to leave only a light load on the carry handle.  It breaks down for storage and transporation in only a couple minutes.

For our test, we even had a 2.5 HP LEHR outboard motor on our Frontier.  Easy as can be!  If you are transporting your Frontier over a long distance, this cart may be the perfect solution for you.  Learn more about the Dynamic Dolly at http://dynamicdollies.com/

NuCanoe Frontier 12 Featured on Canadian Sportfishing TV Series

Join Italo Labignan and Aaron Shirley as they use the NuCanoe Frontier 12, drift-rods & center pin reels to drift-fish for trophy migratory brown trout on Eighteen Mile Creek, NY (Upper New York State). 

Frontier Re-Ignites Angler's Passion for Smallmouth Bass Fishing

by Rob Peddie of Driftwood Anglers

The NuCanoe Frontier has re-ignited my passion for guiding and float fishing by creating a boat that is ideal for the waters where I grew up.  I have always enjoyed sharing my passion for the outdoors and have been guiding anglers for over 20 years with the majority of these years spent out west fishing for trout.  But I grew up in Southern Indiana and was born with a strong affinity for the Smallmouth Bass.  The Frontier 12 has enabled me to bring the western style of float fishing back home to Indiana.        

There are several small rivers in Southern Indiana that hold quality Smallmouth’s but floating anglers down these streams has always been tough.  Limited access and flat water make using a drift-boat nearly impossible.  Rafts are easier to launch without a ramp but the sharp limestone ledges, occasional rebar, and stick-ups will create an unpleasant situation.  Canoes and Jon Boats have been the main boat of choice but both have major disadvantages.  Canoes are a pain to fish, literally, and Jon Boats require motors and are too wide to get into the good spots.   

I fell for the Frontier the first time I saw a picture of the Bass Angler.  I knew it was the perfect boat for my fishing service in South Central Indiana where streams are narrow and boat ramps are few.  The seating arrangement caught my eye at first.  The seats looked very comfortable plus the front seat was raised up higher than the back seat which appealed to my guide eyes.  I imagined front boating my favorite angler, my dad, and figured he would really enjoy the comfort.  He loves canoes but sitting in them for hours is no longer an option.  The front seat on the Frontier is easier for the angler to get in and out, allows them to see into the water better, and helps keep their flies from finding my skin.  

Once I examined the picture I took notice of the shape and nice lines of the Frontier.  The sharp bow, wide body, and square stern spoke to me.  The low profile was another turn on.  I was intrigued and had to know more.  Then I learned about the endless options to customize.  After further reading I discovered the incredible stability and saw the picture of two guys in the boat.  One angler was standing in front casting a fly rod while the other was seated and paddling.  Hooked, I immediately wrote an email to NuCanoe and quickly received a reply.  After a couple of emails I was impressed with NuCanoe’s quick responses and felt comfortable with their customer service.  In less than one day I went from not knowing the Frontier existed to needing one.  So I ordered two and in less than three weeks they arrived.

The waters we fish are full of driftwood and fallen timber.  The Frontier allows us to paddle in and out of tight spots with confidence and control.  Big fish love tight cover and placement of the boat can make all the difference when fishing these areas.  We can sneak through narrow slips to set our anglers up on that perfect angle.  Float fishing is often a game of inches and the action of the lure is not enough to get that big fish to leave his cover.  Your first cast to any target is the most important and the Frontier lets us sneak our anglers to the best possible position to make magic happen on that first cast.

Because of the timber and driftwood our waters are technical to paddle.  You can easily get swept into a fallen tree or its branches so we need a boat that responds and maneuvers quickly.  The Frontier does just that.  Whether using a canoe paddle or a kayak paddle the bow responds very well and is able to be navigated through trouble spots with relative ease.  This handling coupled with the excellent stability gives me the confidence to take my anglers into those hard to get to areas.    

Speed of the boat is another important factor for float fishing.  In most cases the more casts an angler gets at a target the better the odds of hooking up.  A fast boat makes the rower work too hard to slow down and a slow boat makes the rower push too hard to keep time.  The Frontier excels in this area because it drifts at a manageable pace but will speed up when you push it.  This allows us to make up time on the water if we stay in one spot a little too long.      

Another place the Frontier excels is underwater.  The bottom of the Frontier has tracking channels that will grab the water and hold the boat on its line.  These channels along with the small keel really help the boat track true.  A boat that tracks well is the most important feature of a boat when guiding.  Nothing will wear the paddler out quicker than constantly having to mend the bow of the boat to stay on the right line.  Even the angler will get annoyed after a while.  The less time and energy spent having to correct the track means more time spent on fishing and anglers.  This makes a huge difference as much time as we spend on the water.             

  

The boat is an extension of the guide.  A good guide can make any boat work but combine a good guide with a good boat and great things will happen.  Anyone can paddle a boat but paddling for anglers requires much more work and precision.  Because of its shape and design the Frontier allows us to work water like surgeons.  Most people don’t think of a boat to catch you more and bigger fish but the Frontier has done that for us.  

            

New Yak Attack Gear on the Frontier

At Yak Attack, the innovation never ends!  We recently had an opporutnity to test out three new Yak Attack accessories in the Frontier.  We think they worked great, but we want your opinion....Are these items you'd like to have in your Frontier?  Let us know via the comments feature on the blog or on our Facebook Page.



CellBlok

Adding a Fish Finder or Depthfinder to your Frontier just got easier! The CellBlok is an all inclusive system that works in the Freedom Track.  It holds the battery in the center of the Blok and its top surface serves as a mounting platform for the display and transducer deployment arm.  Extra wires spool on the outside.  

No more drilling holes!  No more routing wires!  Simply loosen the 2 Mighty Knobs to reposition or remove the CellBlok. 

SideWinder
Get your anchor line under control with the SideWinder! Designed to make anchor line management simple and effective, the SideWinder has some great features packed into a simple and effective design. The line lock groove keeps just the right amount of line deployed, and it works great with the Anchor Trolley or the Stern Anchor Kit. The SideWinder mounts in the Freedom Track.

Track Mount Retractor
Secure your gear without bulky leashes or floats using the Track Mount Retractor. This super versatile unit combines the innovation you've come to expect from YakAttack and genuine T-Reign retracting mechanism, 36" Kevlar cord, and a removable 4" tether. It mounts in the Freedom Track or to the Slide Mount.

Row, Row, Row your Frontier - Rowing System Prototype

We are getting closer on the Frontier Rowing System!  The latest prototype hit the water last week and the results were great.  But now we need your thoughts!

What do you think?  The good, the bad, the ugly....we want to hear it all!  Share your thoughts via the comments form on the bottom of the blog post or email us at info@nucanoe.com.

 

A Few Details

• The Rowing System attaches via the Side Handle inserts; it does not require drilling into the hull.  Can be installed or removed in under 5 minutes.
• Rowing brackets retract and fold down onto the gunwale; oars rest along top of gunwale.  Great for transporting, navigating tight areas, or coming in to a dock.
• Can be used three ways:
• Solo, facing the stern
• Solo, facing the bow
• Tandem, facing the bow

Solo, Facing Stern

Tandem, Facing Bow

Solo, Facing Bow

Frontier 12 Review from FishCampRehab.com

Review by Ken Morrow, author of the Adaptive Fly Fishing Handbook:


"Back in August, I ordered a NuCanoe Frontier 12 with the Tandem Stand-up Angler Package and the Transport Cart. I’ve been using it for solo and tandem fishing ever since. I’ll break my thoughts and observations on this kayak down into the following categories: design, paddling, fishing, safety, and transportation.

Design
Anglers who seeks the ultimate in solo-tandem fishing versatility from a modern kayak design would be well-served to take the Nucanoe Frontier 12 for a spin. I began teaching advanced canoeing when I was fifteen years old. Since then, I’ve paddled just about everything...."

Read the full review at FishCampRehab.com.

The Frontier 12 Helps Save a Capsized Kayaker

As Reported by Veerapol Pimsaen, a NuCanoe Frontier 12 owner from McKinney, Texas


The Frontier 12 saved a life Saturday January 4, 2014!

I arrived at the boat ramp at Little Ridge Park on Lake Lavon (Texas) mid-afternoon. As I was backing my vehicle down the ramp to launch, a person came up to me and told me his buddy is out about 300 yards, capsized and holding onto his Ascend kayak that was anchored in 22 ft. of low 40 deg. Water. He had been in that condition for 15-20 minutes.

While 911 had been dispatched, I offered that I can get him and his yak out. As soon as I was ready to launch my Frontier 12, a Texas Game Warden, Lavon police, and first responders showed up. The patrol boat was two hours away, and there were no other boats on the lake due to the 25+ wind, so I was the only option to help the capsized kayaker.

The area was a protected cove but still the gusty wind was still challenging for any kayak. I had no doubt the Frontier 12 could handle it. Well, I rescued the person and dropped him off at the ramp for the first responders, then went out and got his yak. It was filled with water since his bow hatch was open.

All in all, the warden and police were appreciative for what I did saving his life, as he probably would not have been able to hang on another 15-20 minutes. He was pale, tired, and little responsive when I pulled him into the canoe. They were very impressed the Frontier 12 being able to complete such a task so quickly and with little effort to support two people in that rough windy weather.

I spoke today with the young man I rescued and he too was impressed with the Frontier, for it saved his life. His body temp was 88 F when we reached the ramp. He was very fortunate to have a vessel capable of pulling him out of the water and easily handling two people in that windy condition. He was also appreciative for also getting his kayak back since it was his father's.

Also, during the launch, another by-stander was skeptical of what I was about to do and feared I too would be overwhelmed in those conditions, after the event was over he too was left amazed.

Since everything happened so fast with the launch, rescue, and recovery, it just did not leave much to report, we are all just glad there was not a body to look for, then the story would have probably made press.